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The Academy of Art University Library and the School of Illustration (ILL) are hosting a joint exhibition of Caldecott Medal-winning illustrated children’s books. Books will be on display at both the library at 180 New Montgomery and at 540 Powell. The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of the 19th century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

In solidarity with April as National Sexual Assault Awareness month, the Academy of Art University is participating in the 13th annual Walk Against Rape march on April 7. Organized by the San Francisco Women Against Rape (SFWAR), the goal is to “empower survivors, their friends, families and supports, to break that silence by marching together on the streets against rape,” according to the SFWAR website.

Christina Petricca, the Academy’s Title IX coordinator, said this year’s walk is the first time the school is joining SFWAR. She hopes the Academy’s participation continues to bring awareness across campus and highlights the resources SFWAR provides to sexual assault survivors, including counseling, support groups and crisis services.

Academy of Art University School of Industrial Design (IND) students Brett LaBar and Sean Wilson have a few things in common: They are friends who share a passion for automotive design. And last summer, they were both awarded Phil Hill scholarships at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

There’s not an adult who doesn’t remember a children’s book that vividly captured their imagination as a child and connected them to literature. A book whose illustrations brought that story to life. This is the role of a children’s book illustrator and this year, four connected to Academy of Art University’s School of Illustration (ILL) were honored for their excellence in the impactful art of visual storytelling.

“Children’s books shape the future of every young reader,” said Chuck Pyle, ILL director. “Our artists are very driven, smart and passionate storytellers whose work is being recognized as the best of the best.”

The site of Ridge Lane Park. Graduate student Nahal Sohbati won ASLA’s 2017 Excellence in Student Community Service for her work on the Ingleside street park. Photo courtesy of Nahal Sohbati.

By Nina Tabios

In its seven years of existence, the School of Landscape Architecture at Academy of Art University has had a slew of successful prominent wins in the last few years.

In 2015, a group of students swept the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show for the design and installation of their Sublimation garden.

Last year, graduate student Eric Arneson—who was involved with the Sublimation project—took home a Student Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) for his Bendway Park design, which aimed to restore the riverfront into a multi-use park in the Sonoma county river town of Healdsburg.

This year, the School of Landscape Architecture celebrates Nahal Sohbati, a graduate student who is taking home ASLA’s 2017 Award of Excellence in Student Community Service for her work on Ridge Lane Park, a sustainable, community-collaborative street park in the Ingleside area of San Francisco. To no surprise, Sohbati was a Sublimation designer as well.

Academy of Art University announces the transition of Mary Scott, who has served as Director for the School of Graphic Design for 17 years. In her new role as Director Emeritus, Mary will serve as senior advisor to the school, provide portfolio design guidance to students and work closely with her successor, Phil Hamlett, to ensure a seamless transition of leadership.

Phil Hamlett has been promoted to Director of the School of Graphic Design. He began his career at the Academy as Graduate Director and, during his 13 years of service, established a strong industry affiliation for the school. His professional associations have provided wonderful opportunities for our alumni at many companies known throughout the world.